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Application Technique

Don’t Let Contact Build-up Cause Machine DowntimeImprove Switching Reliability in Low Voltage Applications

Application Issue

Diminishing contact switching reliability is a common issue in low voltage applications (typically below 24V). In these applications, there is minimal make/break arcing to keep contact surfaces clean from oxidation build-up. Reduced signal reliability can disrupt production and cause machine downtime or unplanned maintenance.

Component Solution

Allen-Bradley low voltage QuadConnect™ (Bulletin 800F) and PenTUFF™ (Bulletin 800T/H 30mm and 800H Type 7&9) contact blocks are capable of providing reliable switching down to 5V, 1 mA. These contact spanners are constructed of corrosion resistant inert precious metals and designed to use a flexible wiping action to clean contact surfaces. By making use of multiple current paths, they are able to achieve optimal conductivity, reduce contact bounce and increase signal reliability to the PLC.

In addition, Allen-Bradley standard contact blocks are equipped with bifurcated spanners providing reliable switching down to 17V, 5mA. This is a more reliable solution than typical butt-style contact blocks for use in higher voltage applications.

Contact with Carbon Oxidation Contact without Carbon Oxidation

Summary

With the threat of oxidation compromising the reliability of your low-voltage applications, Rockwell Automation provides solutions capable of mitigating this threat, resulting in lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime. These benefits, and the benefit of being fully compatible with our Bulletin 800F and 800T/H Type 7&9 operator control solutions, make the QuadConnect and PenTUFF contact blocks preferred designs.

For more information on Bulletin 800F QuadConnect contact blocks, visit: http://ab.rockwellautomation.com/Push-Buttons/IEC-22-mm/Back-of-Panel-Components.

For more information on Bulletin 800T/H PenTUFF contact blocks, visit: http://ab.rockwellautomation.com/Push-Buttons/NEMA-30-mm/Back-of-Panel-Components.

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Allen-Bradley, PenTUFF, QuadConnect, Rockwell Software, Rockwell Automation, and LISTEN. THINK. SOLVE are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc.

Trademarks not belonging to Rockwell Automation are property of their respective companies.

Publication 800-AT002A-EN-P - April 2016 Copyright © 2016 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.